Mini-Brains Out of Skin

“Researchers used human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells (IPS cells) [to produce cerebral organoids or mini-brains]. Both embryonic stem cells and IPS cells have the ability to turn into any part of the body. But embryonic stem cells are very controversial because in the process of retrieving them for research, the 4- or 5-day-old embryo they are taken from is destroyed. IPS cells don’t come with the same controversy because scientists take a cell — typically a skin cell — then coax it using a chemical bath to revert to a state that resembles a developing embryo.” (my italics).

Mini-brains out of skin cells! Skinthink in a vat!

“As for growing a brain structure from stem cells that’s capable of conscious thought, [researcher] said this would likely not be possible, or desirable.”

About Pavel G. Somov, Ph.D.

Pavel Somov, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist in private practice and the author of 7 mindfulness-based self-help books. Several of his books have been translated into Chinese, Dutch & Portuguese. Somov is on the Advisory Board for the Mindfulness Project (London, UK). Somov has conducted numerous workshops on mindfulness-related topics and appeared on a number of radio programs. Somov's book website is www.pavelsomov.com and his practice website is www.drsomov.com

Marla Somova, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist in private practice and an Assistant Professor of Psychology and Counseling at Carlow University in Pittsburgh, PA. She is the co-author of "Smoke Free Smoke Break" (2011).